I haven't seen him much with WBS this year, but I think he's had to reinvent himself a bit in order to shed a reputation of being a bit soft and streaky. I've heard that he's done a better job of taking the body this year and he even had a fight or two to show for it. I think he could earn a two-way contract next year...as of now, he's only on an AHL one way. Word is though that he wants to play in North America, which is good to see.

Pushkarev was a late addition to Pittsburgh’s training camp roster a few months ago. Friends with Evgeni Malkin from their playing days in Russia, the Penguins brought him into the organization via a pro-tryout contract which will give them a look for 25 games. In 2007-2008, he was nearly a point-per-game player with the Iowa Stars (AHL) and in 06-07 he played 16 games with the Los Angeles Kings (NHL). He has barely produced, as the team is struggling offensively on most nights, but he has been used on a third-line checking role for the most part. He surprisingly finishes a lot of his checks and likes to handle the puck when he’s out there. His weakness is that he will try to take the puck through the whole team and score but he’ll end up giving it away. Possesses the hardest shot on the team.

K2 wrote::thumb: to Pushy going top ched, and Liffiton isn't a lightweight. Get this fella a two-way contract.

Exactly. This kid has a positive attitude as well. Last weekend when I was in WB/S, Pushy was on the ice 30 minutes before warm-ups, shooting pucks in his bare shoes while listening to his iPod. He definitely has some upside if he puts all of his tools together.

WWGRD wrote:Speed-wise, he's not slow but not overly fast like Conner or someone.. Has played at NHL pace before. Skating isn't one of his weaknesses

Thank God someone sees him play to answer all these

Our problem with the big club is that both wings are flawed, but would be fine in that role if the other side was better.

You can have a Kunitz (hitter/forechecker) on one side as long as Guerin can create a bit on his ownYou can have a Guerin (slow shooter) on one said as long as Kunitz can create on his own

But you can't have two guys occupying both sides, because it then simply comes down to Sid/Geno having to do everything or else the play dies

I just keep looking for that diamond in the rough, and I remember him from exhibition (yes i know it's pre-season) and I remember him having a mean streak and some really good hands an playmaking abilities.

One last question. How is he along the boards in the Offensive zone? Can he shield well or does he get knocked off the puck easily?